Prevention of Common Cold

To prevent enterovirus infections, says Pichichero, “it’s all about blocking viral transmission.” The viruses travel in respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus, or in the stool of an infected person. You can become infected by direct contact. Or you might pick up the virus by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, such as a telephone, doorknob or baby’s diaper. “Frequent hand washing and avoiding exposure to people who are sick with fever can help prevent the spread of infection,” says Pichichero.

The summer colds caused by enteroviruses generally clear up without treatment within a few days or even a week. But see a health care provider if you have concerning symptoms, like a high fever or a rash.

Source:NIH News in Health (NIH)2

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With schools back in session and cooler weather on the way, many of us will be spending more time indoors. It’s a time to make holiday plans. It’s a time for togetherness. And it’s a time when we share a lot of disease-causing germs. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to dodge germs and boost your chances of staying healthy.

By far the easiest and most effective way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands often and well. Health care experts recommend scrubbing your hands vigorously with soap and water for at least 15 seconds—about as long as it takes to recite the alphabet.

Antibacterial soaps are popular and plentiful on store shelves. They contain a chemical called triclosan, which can kill bacteria. But are they better than regular soaps? In one recent study, researchers reviewed all the scientific papers published between 1980 and 2006 that compared regular and antibacterial soaps in everyday use. They found that regular soaps were as effective as antibacterial soaps, both in blocking germ-related disease symptoms and in reducing the amount of bacteria measured on hands.

When soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based gel—usually called a “hand sanitizer”—to clean your hands. These alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin.

Source:NIH News in Health (NIH)3

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Preventing the Spread of Germs

Wash your hands often and well. If soap and water are not available, some health officials recommend rubbing your hands with alcohol-based gels.

Keep doctor-recommended vaccinations—for you and your children—up to date.

Stay home when you are sick and check with a health care provider when needed.

Eat right, get enough sleep and exercise regularly to help strengthen your immune system and fight sicknesses.

Source:NIH News in Health (NIH)4

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You can help reduce your risk of getting a cold: wash your hands often and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Source:CDC Features5

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How to Protect Yourself

Viruses that cause colds can spread from infected people to others through the air and close personal contact. You can also get infected through contact with stool (poop) or respiratory secretions from an infected person. This can happen when you shake hands with someone who has a cold, or touch a doorknob that has viruses on it, then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Help reduce your risk of getting a cold by washing hands often with soap and water.

Wash them for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Viruses that cause colds can live on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Viruses that cause colds can enter your body this way and make you sick.

Stay away from people who are sick

Sick people can spread viruses that cause the common cold through close contact with others.

Help reduce your risk of getting a cold by washing hands often with soap and water.

How to Protect Others

If you have a cold, you should follow these tips to prevent spreading it to other people:

Stay at home while you are sick

Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands

Avoiding people with coughs and colds will help reduce the risk of getting bronchitis. If you have a cough, cover your mouth with your sleeve when you cough to reduce the risk of passing it on. Hand washing also reduces the risk of passing on infections.

If you have asthma, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions to keep it under control.

Immunisation

Being immunised against the flu will decrease the risk of bronchitis from influenza. Flu immunisation is available free from your doctor if you are aged 65 and over, or if you have certain ongoing health conditions, such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes. Visit Fight Flu for more information.

Pneumococcal vaccination can decrease the risk of bacterial secondary infection, and is recommended for people aged 65 and over. Visit Pneumococcal disease for more information.

Support to stop smoking

If you are a smoker and would like help to stop, call Quitline on 0800 778 778 or go to the Quitline website.

Vaccinations: Common Cold

Immunisation

Being immunised against the flu will decrease the risk of bronchitis from influenza. Flu immunisation is available free from your doctor if you are aged 65 and over, or if you have certain ongoing health conditions, such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes. Visit Fight Flu for more information.

Pneumococcal vaccination can decrease the risk of bacterial secondary infection, and is recommended for people aged 65 and over. Visit Pneumococcal disease for more information.